The incidence of Chorioptes bovis (Acarina: Psoroptidae) on the feet of horses,sheep, and goats in the Netherlands

Summary

The feel of horses, sheep, and goats of different breeds and from many different localities were examined for Chorioptes bovis. In horses, mites were mainly found in the Belgian and Frisian breeds (40% and 62% infected, respectively). In sheep and goats, respectively 63% and 86% were infected. In horses as well as in sheep and goats, mange‐lesions were rarely seen. A number of sheep and goats were examined for mites and lesions quantitatively. In sheep all mites were restricted to the region close to the accessory digits and the claws. In goats the average number of mites was higher than in sheep, and mites could be found on all locations of the feet at least as far as the carpal and tarsal joint. Both in sheep and goats the biggest density of mites was found just below the accessory digits. When crusts were present, they were generally small and hidden under the coat. In sheep, which were housed for a long period, crusts were seen more often and were more distinct than in pastured animals. A negative correlation between the number of mites and the presence and extensiveness of crusts was observed A possible explanation for this phenomenon is suggested. From the results of this study it is clear that there is no necessity to list chorioptic mange in sheep and goats as a notifiable disease.     

The incidence of Chorioptes bovis (Acarina: Psoroptidae) on the feet of horses, sheep, and goats in the Netherlands

The feet of horses, sheep, and goats of different breeds and from many different localities were examined for Chorioptes bovis. In horses, mites were mainly found in the Belgian and Frisian breeds (40% and 62% infected, respectively). In sheep and goats, respectively 63% and 86% were infected. In horses as well as in sheep and goats, mange-lesions were rarely seen. A number of sheep and goats were examined for mites and lesions quantitatively. In sheep all mites were restricted to the region close to the accessory digits and the claws. In goats the average number of mites was higher than in sheep, and mites could be found on all locations of the feet at least as far as the carpal and tarsal joint. Both in sheep and goats the biggest density of mites was found just below the accessory digits. When crusts were present, they were generally small and hidden under the coat. In sheep, which were housed for a long period, crusts were seen more often and were more distinct than in pastured animals. A negative correlation between the number of mites and the presence and extensiveness of crusts was observed. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is suggested. From the results of this study it is clear that there is no necessity to list chorioptic mange in sheep and goats as a notifiable disease.     

Infection of sheep and goats with bovid herpesvirus 2

Sheep and goats were shown to be susceptible to experimental infection with bovid herpesvirus 2 (BHV2), administered by either the intradermal or intravenous route. Lesions developing in sheep following intradermal inoculation of virus were similar to those in cattle inoculated intradermally, whereas the lesions in goats resolved without ulceration or scabbing. Disseminated circumscribed skin lesions developed in sheep and goats given BHV2 by the intravenous route. These lesions resolved in four to eight days without significant effect on the skin. BHV2 was isolated from skin lesions of sheep, goats and cattle that were infected intravenously, from sheep and cattle infected intradermally and from the leucocytes of the three species following intravenous inoculation of virus. Latent infection of sheep and goats was demonstrated following corticosteroid treatment 60 days after infection.     

Abortion in small ruminants in Switzerland: investigations during two lambing seasons (1996-1998) with special regard to chlamydial abortions

Abortion cases of 144 goats und 86 sheep were investigated etiologically during 2 lambing seasons (1996/1997, 1997/1998). Macroscopic inspection of fetus and placenta was completed by histopathology and bacteriological isolation of agents. In addition, immunohistologically the following antigens were labeled in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections: Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Chlamydophila abortus (formerly Chlamydia psittaci serovar 1) and Border Disease Virus. From farms with abortions caused by Chlamydophila abortus specific data were recorded. In 75% of abortion cases in sheep and in 59% of cases in goats an etiologic diagnosis could be substantiated. Chlamydophila abortus is the most commonly involved agent in the etiology of caprine and ovine abortion (sheep 39%, goats 23%), followed by Toxoplasma gondii (sheep 19%, goats 15%) and Coxiella burnetti (sheep 1%, goats 10%). All other agents are of minor importance. An infectious cause of abortion based on histopathologic findings without isolation of agents was observed in sheep (10%) and goats (21%). Malformation occurred in sheep (2%) and goats (3%) and lesions suggestive for Vitamin E/Selenium deficiency were seen in goats only (2%).     

Effects of Daily Oral Administration of Copper to Goats

Three goats were dosed orally with a 0.2 % aqueous copper sulphate solution. The dosing was 20 mg copper sulphate/kg body weight twice a day for 56 to 113 days. One of the goats accumulated substantial amounts of copper in the liver and developed two haemolytic crises. The two other goats showed only increased liver copper concentrations before they were killed. The results indicate that the goats were susceptible in varying degrees to repeated oral copper dosing, and that two of the goats were significantly less susceptible to copper than sheep. The goat that turned into a haemolytic crisis showed changes similar to those seen in sheep as far as blood and plasma parameters are concerned. The gross and histological lesions were also mainly of the same type as described in sheep. The hepatic lesions found in the goat differed to some degree from those found in sheep as the necroses were more distinctly located to the centrilobular area, and as the iron pigments were mainly located in phagocytes in the hepatic sinusóides.     

Impact of natural sheep-goat transmission on detection and control of small ruminant lentivirus group C infections

Dissemination of small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infections in Norway is affected by the different control strategies used for maedi-visna virus (MVV) infections in sheep and caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) infections in goats. Here we investigated SRLV phylogenetic group variants in sheep. CAEV-like isolates, belonging to phylogenetic group C, were found among both seropositive sheep and goats in mixed flocks, in which sheep and goats are kept together. Intra-herd clustering confirmed that mixed flock animals were infected by the same virus variant, suggesting ongoing interspecies transmission. Few sheep flocks were found to be infected with the MVV-like phylogenetic group A. The apparent absence of SRLV group A type in goats is probably due to the MVV control programme and animal management practices. SRLV group C targets lungs and mammary glands in sheep, and induces typical SRLV pathological lesions. SRLV group C isolated from the sheep mammary glands suggested a productive infection and potential for transmission to offspring. SRLV group C was most prevalent among goats. A lower PCR sensitivity in seropositive sheep suggested a lower load of SRLV group C provirus in sheep than in goats. Higher genetic divergence of group C than in other SRLV groups and extensive heterogeneity among group C isolates in the matrix C-terminal region demonstrate the need for identifying conserved target regions when developing PCR protocols for SRLV detection. As sheep and goats may serve as reservoirs for all SRLV genogroup types, successful control programmes require inclusion of both species.     

Synergistic hemolysis-inhibition titers associated with caseous lymphadenitis in a slaughterhouse survey of goats and sheep in Northeastern Brazil

A survey of caseous lymphadenitis was conducted at a goat and sheep slaughterhouse in Northeastern Brazil One hundred and fifty-eight goats and 43 sheep were examined for the presence of abscesses, with bacterial culturing of purulent material to define the etiological agent. Blood was collected simultaneously for determination of serological titer via the synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test which measures antibodies to an exotoxin of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Thirteen and nine-tenths percent of the goats had abscesses, with a high proportion having mediastinal or pulmonary lesions (9.5%). Two sheep had abscesses, both with internal organ involvement. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was the most frequently isolated organism. Of 22 goats with abscesses, 20 were positive via the synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test. Both of the sheep with abscesses had positive synergistic hemolysis-inhibition titers. The proportion of serological reactors was greater than the proportion of animals with abscesses. The synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test may be detecting subclinically infected animals.     

Patent infection with Setaria digitata in goats in Saudi Arabia.

A survey was carried out on Saudi sheep and goats during 1995, at the Veterinary Diagnostic laboratory, Jeddah, to study Setaria infection in small ruminants in Saudi Arabia. Setaria digitata worms were detected in the abdominal cavity of 5 out of 48 goats (10.4%). Sheep were not found to be infected. All infected goats were adults of 2-4 years of age and originating from the Jeddah, Mecca and Al-Leith areas. Four cases were recorded during January-March and one during August. No lesions due to S. digitata were found in the visceral organs and brains of the infected goats. This is the first record of patent infection with S. digitata in goats.     

Serodiagnosis of inapparent caseous lymphadenitis in goats and sheep, using the synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test

The synergistic hemolysis-inhibition (SHI) test, a serologic test for the detection of infection with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, was applied to serum samples from 196 goats and 76 sheep, including animals both with and without C pseudotuberculosis abscesses. Fifty-one of 52 (98%) goats and 27 of 28 (96%) sheep with abscesses caused by C pseudotuberculosis had seropositive titers. Seropositivity continued on subsequent samplings, even after superficial lesions were completely healed. The SHI test may detect subclinically infected animals, as well as animals with clinically recognizable lesions. Of the animals without abscesses, 53 of 186 (28%) goats and 4 of 41 (10%) sheep were seropositive. Either the SHI test is lacking in specificity or these titers are a reflection of a past or a current infection without any grossly visible abscesses.     

Host preference of the sheep scab mite,Psoroptes ovis

Sheep scab mites, Psoroptes ovis, collected from a Merino donor sheep, were used to infest Merino and Dorper sheep, and Angora and Boer goats. Mites were placed on the sheep on 1 or 2 occasions and on 5 occasions on the goats. All the animals were examined at regular intervals for the presence of scab lesions and living mites. Both sheep breeds developed lesions, but those on the Merino sheep were always larger than those on the Dorper sheep at the same intervals after infestation. None of the goats developed lesions or showed signs of irritation, or harboured any mites.     

A comparison of four serological tests for the diagnosis of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep and goats

A double antibody sandwich ELISA (ELISA A) developed for the detection of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in sheep and goats was modified to improve its sensitivity. To establish the sensitivity and specificity of this modified ELISA (ELISA B), sera from 183 sheep and 186 goats were tested using ELISAs A and B. Comparison was also made with two further ELISAs (C and D) developed in Australia that, respectively, detect antibodies to cell wall antigens or toxin.ELISA B had the best performance of the four tests. Its specificity was 98+/-1% for goats and 99+/-1% sheep. Its sensitivity was 94+/-3% for goats and 79+/-5% for sheep. ELISA B will now be tested for use in caseous lymphadenitis eradication and control programmes in The Netherlands. It will also be used in experimental studies of CL in Scotland.     

Comparison of infection rates of Oestrus ovis between sheep and goats kept in mixed flocks

Oestrosis is a nasal myiasis of sheep and goats caused by larvae of the fly Oestrus ovis and can lead to severe clinical signs, which together with the disturbance caused by the adult fly may result into serious economic losses. Infection rates and larval burdens are always higher in sheep than in goats after either natural or artificial infestation. The aim of this study was to compare the host preference of the adult fly O. ovis between sheep and goats in mixed flocks, where they are kept together under the same husbandry conditions and hence, are very similarly exposed to the fly preference. Blood sera samples were collected from a total of 397 sheep and 335 goats, from 43 mixed flocks located at different regions of Greece. Antibodies specific to O. ovis IgG were measured by ELISA. A flock was considered positive when at least one individual was positive, i.e. showed a seropositivity of >or=20% in relation to positive control sera. A total of 193 (48.6%) sheep and 58 (17.9%) goats were found to be seropositive against O. ovis. Thirty-eight (88.4%) out of 43 flocks had at least one seropositive animal. The mean seroconversion against O. ovis in animals from the different flocks was 38.6% and 13.6% for sheep and goats, respectively, whereas the variance of infection within each flock was 0-100%. The mean seropositivity between sheep that were found to be positive or negative was 60.6% and 5.4%, respectively, whereas the corresponding values between goats were 35.2% and 5.2%, respectively. No significant difference in the seroconversion values was noted between flocks from the different areas (P=0.817), whereas a very significant difference was observed between animal species (P=0.001). However, there was no significant difference when seroconversion comparisons were made within samples of the same animals species, sheep or goats from different flocks of all the regions included in the study (P=0.695). The results of this study clearly demonstrate that O. ovis has a widespread distribution in Greece, and the seroprevalence is significantly higher in sheep than goats (P=0.001).     

Identification of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolates from sheep and goats by PCR

The present study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis (CL) in sheep and goats slaughtered at the local abattoir in Elazig province located in the east of Turkey, between September and December 2000. A total of 2046 sheep and 2262 goat carcasses were examined during the study period and 118 abscessed lymph nodes, 89 from sheep and 29 from goats, were collected. Corynebacterium spp. strains were isolated from 81.4% of the abscesses, giving an overall prevalence of 2.2%. The prevalence was 3.5 and 1.1% in sheep and goats, respectively. PCR on DNA extracted from 96 suspicious isolates, using a pair of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis-specific primers, was positive for 93. Although cross-reaction with C. ulcerans, a human/bovine species, was observed, the PCR assay used in this study may successfully be applied for the diagnosis of CL in goats and sheep as an alternative to conventional methods, owing to its advantages of specificity and speed.     

Scrapie in goats in Cyprus

Ovine scrapie was first recorded in Cyprus in 1985. Subsequently four dairy goats kept in two mixed flocks with affected sheep developed characteristic clinical signs similar to those seen in sheep. Fifteen goats from the two flocks were examined histologically and neurological lesions consistent with a diagnosis of scrapie were found in the four animals and in three others which had subsequently developed early neurological signs. These lesions were similar to those of naturally-affected sheep although neuronal degeneration and vacuolation were more severe in some cases.     

Scrapie in goats in Cyprus

Ovine scrapie was first recorded in Cyprus in 1985. Subsequently four dairy goats kept in two mixed flocks with affected sheep developed characteristic clinical signs similar to those seen in sheep. Fifteen goats from the two flocks were examined histologically and neurological lesions consistent with a diagnosis of scrapie were found in the four animals and in three others which had subsequently developed early neurological signs. These lesions were similar to those of naturally-affected sheep although neuronal degeneration and vacuolation were more severe in some cases.     

Echinococcus granulosus in animals in northern India

The prevalence of larval Echinococcus granulosus in buffaloes, sheep and goats and in adult stray and shepherd dogs was studied in northern India. A total of 48.1% of 754 buffaloes, 30.5% of 1215 sheep and 21.0% of 447 goats were found to be infected with this parasite. The prevalence of infection in buffaloes was higher in older animals than in younger animals. The lungs and livers appeared to be the sites of predilection. A high percentage of cysts from buffaloes (71.1%) were sterile, whereas a high percentage (90.0%) of cysts from sheep and goats were fertile. Shepherd dogs showed a higher prevalence of infection than stray dogs and the latter examined near the vicinity of slaughter houses had a higher prevalence of infection than those examined in other parts of the city.     

Peste des petitis ruminants morbillivirus infection in lambs and young goats at Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

An outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in lambs and young goats of Najdi breed of sheep and goats occurred during winter 2005 at Qassim region of central Saudi Arabia. The PPR infection was confirmed by demonstration of antibodies against the virus in the serum of clinically-ill young sheep and goats using competitive ELISA test. Clinical examination of infected animals showed fever, salivation, lacrimation, mucopurulent nasal discharge, difficult breathing and diarrhoea. The disease was particularly severe in the goats. Morbidity was about 20% and mortality was less than 3 percent. Autopsy showed necrotic and ulcerative lesions in the mouth, stomach and intestine. Mesenteric lymph nodes were swollen and congested. The lungs were patchy pneumonic mostly at the diaphragmatic and apical lobes. Liver and kidney lesions were seen in goats only and both organs were congested and necrotic. Histopathological examination revealed necrotic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Intracytoplasmic viral inclusions were seen in the enterocytes of goats. Lung sections showed bronchopneumonia and syncytial and giant cells. The bronchial epithelium of goats had intracytoplasmic viral inclusions. Extensive coagulation necrosis, fatty degeneration and presence of intracytoplasmic viral inclusions were seen in hepatocytes and syncytial cells were evident in biliary epithelium of goats. Congestion, coagulation necrosis and syncytial cells were seen in the renal tubular epithelium of goats only. In a survey to determine the magnitude of the outbreak, PPR antibodies were evidenced in 363/996 (36.6%) sheep and 530/962 (55.1%) goats.     

Prevalence of Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) antibodies among sheep and goats in India

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of pestivirus antibodies in sheep and goats in India. A total of 2803 serum samples collected between 2004 and 2008 from 1777 sheep in 92 flocks and 1026 goats in 63 flocks belonging to 13 states were tested by competition ELISA for detection of pestivirus antibodies. In sheep, the true prevalence rate was 23.4% (95% confidence interval: 22.9%–27.0%) and in goats it was 16.9% (95% CI: 16.4%–21.3%). The flock level seroprevalence was 66.3% for sheep and 54.0% for goats. Geographical variation in individual and flock prevalence was highly significant. A significant association (p?<?0.05) was found between sheep and goat flocks having cattle contact and the flock level seroprevalence. The seroprevalence was lower in 6 months–1 year age group compared to the 1–2 year and >2 year age groups in both sheep and goats. Cross neutralization studies on 61 seropositive sheep and 34 seropositive goat samples representing all positive flocks, exhibited > four fold higher titre to bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) in 41 sheep and 23 goat samples and to BVDV-2 in one sheep and goat each. This study for the first time showed serological evidence of wide spread BVDV infections in Indian sheep and goats, with BVDV-1 predominating and BVDV-2 occasionally besides highlighting the potential risk of infection to other species, which needs to be considered whenever BVD control measures are initiated.     

Ectoparasites are the major causes of various types of skin lesions in small ruminants in Ethiopia

Ectoparasites are the major causes of skin lesions in animals. Clinical, skin scraping examination, and histopathological studies were conducted to identify and characterize skin lesions in small ruminants caused by ectoparasites. Mange mites, lice, sheep keds, and ticks were collected from the skin of affected animals for species identification. Skin biopsies were collected from affected part of the skin and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathology. Of 1,000 sheep and 600 goats examined, 815 (81.50%) sheep and 327 (54.5%) goats were infested with one or more types of ectoparasites. Sarcoptes scabiei var ovis, Demodex ovis, Psoroptes ovis, Bovicola ovis, Melophagus ovinus, and Amblyomma variegatum and other tick species were identified from sheep. S. scabiei var caprae, Demodex caprae, Linognathus stenopsis, and A. variegatum and other tick species were identified from goats. Gross skin lesions or defects observed on the skin include stained and ragged wool, loss of wool/hair, nodules, crusts, lichenification, and fissuring. Microscopic evaluation of H and E stained skin sections revealed lesions in the epidermal layer such as hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and melanin inconsistency on the basal cells of the epidermis. Follicular keratosis, perifolliculitis, frunculosis, perivasculitis, and aggregates of inflammatory cells (of acute and chronic type) with fibrosis were experiential in the dermal layer of the skin. Most of the skin lesions caused by ectoparasites are overlapping. Thus, ectoparasites control program should be executed to reduce skin lesions as skins are the major export commodity of the country.     

Evidence for the transmission of scrapie to sheep and goats from a vaccine against Mycoplasma agalactiae

An accidental infection from a vaccine was suggested as the explanation for the sudden increase in outbreaks of scrapie in Italy in 1997 and 1998. This paper describes a recent outbreak of scrapie in sheep and goats which were exposed to the same vaccine. No ewes or goats had been imported into the herd since 1992, but a vaccine against Mycoplasma agalactiae had been administered twice, in 1995 and 1997. High rates of crude mortality and scrapie incidence were experienced by both species, all birth cohorts were involved and a large proportion of aged animals was affected. A pattern of brain lesions was observed, with slight differences between the sheep and goats, which was very similar to the pattern observed in animals previously exposed to the same vaccine but clearly different from that observed in the brains of sheep with scrapie in a flock not exposed to the vaccine. Regardless of their exposure status, genotype analysis of the sheep showed the presence of polymorphism only at codon 171. The patterns of both incidence and brain lesions provide evidence that the epidemic of scrapie was due to the use of the vaccine.